Council’s vision is to create a pedestrian-friendly space throughout all four quadrants of the downtown to facilitate community events and activities. It will complement the City’s growing transit system, increased downtown residential presence, and the heritage, entertainment and arts facilities in the heart of Brampton.

The City requires 126,000 square feet of net leasable space for administrative purposes ready for occupancy in 2014. Beyond this initial phase (Phase 1), the City also has a forecasted need for an additional 120,000 square feet of net leasable space between 2014 and 2031 (Phase 2) for a total build-out of 246,000 square feet of net leasable space by 2031.

Dominus Construction Group (“Dominus”) was selected as the Preferred Respondent for the Southwest Quadrant RFP at a Council meeting on March 28, 2011. They are working with well-known international architectural firm - Zeidler Partnership Architects.

• an extension of the City’s landmark civic facility in the downtown • integration of the southwest quadrant on both sides of George Street • a new north “grand lobby” entrance to City Hall • an animated, pedestrian-friendly streetscape • mixed-use, private retail on the ground floor.

The solution submitted from Dominus is based on the re-development of four discrete but related City-owned sites all within a five minute walking radius of the current City Hall.

Phase 1 of the project includes plans for a new nine-storey building at 41 George Street that can accommodate: 126,398 square feet for administrative office space; 10,545 square feet for multi-purpose meeting rooms; 10,147 square feet for street level retail space; and 443 parking spaces (five levels of parking).

Phase 1a includes plans for a two-storey addition to the current City Hall that can accommodate: 2,507 square feet for committee rooms; and 6,187 square feet for street level retail space.

The focus of construction right now is on Phases 1 and 1a. However, the Dominus solution also offers additional development in Phases 2 and 3. Here are those details.

Phase 2 includes plans for: replacement of the parking garage at 20 George Street with an 10 storey building; 130,000 square feet for a new library; 360 new parking spaces (underground); and 4,000 square feet for retail space.

Phase 1 and 1a of the Dominus solution has: an estimated project cost, including construction, of $94 million (to be designed, constructed and financed by Dominus); a fixed annual occupancy cost to the City of $8.2 million (payable when the building is projected to be ready for occupancy in early 2014); and an annual occupancy cost, fixed over a 25 year term, at the end of which ownership of the Phase 1 building will revert to the City at no additional cost.

The City is not paying for the construction – Dominus is paying these costs. No new property taxes will directly fund the Southwest Quadrant Renewal Plan. The City will lease the building (once built in 2014) at a fixed-lease rate for 25 years, after which the City will own the building.

Over the past several years, there have been many projects that have had a positive effect on creating a vibrant and thriving downtown. Some examples include the recent construction of Rose Theatre Brampton, the launch of Züm (Brampton’s Bus Rapid Transit system) on Queen and Main Streets and several residential development projects underway. More recent projects include the restoration work being undertaken at Alderlea and Peel Heritage Complex. The addition of another mixed used signature building in the downtown core as a key element in the ongoing evolution and revitalization of downtown Brampton – both in terms of contributing to the urban landscape as well as attracting private sector investment and opportunity. There are many benefits to be realized with this project including employment created during and after the construction period, additional parking and retail, the addition of a building that connects the current City Hall with other parts of the downtown core (encouraging more pedestrian traffic) and expected additional private sector investment.

The total expected employment impact of the Dominus solution is the creation of 931 jobs (775 direct and 155 indirect). The expected capital expenditure gains of the $94 million investment are expected to net an additional $37 million. As downtown Brampton continues to grow, this strategic investment is another major building block in the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Brampton, serving to support existing and attract new businesses, residents, consumers, visitors and employees to the downtown core.

Like all procurement activities undertaken by the City, the Southwest Quadrant Renewal Plan Request For Proposal (RFP) followed the same rigorous practices and policies mandated by its Purchasing Division. During the administration of this RFP, there was a “no contact” or “quiet” period where members of the public or potential respondents were not permitted to contact Council concerning details of the RFP. This critical step protects the integrity of the RFP process to ensure Council members (as decision-makers in the RFP process) are not subject to lobbying efforts on behalf of potential respondents or the public. This is normal business practice in the administration of any City RFP.

The City retained the services of an independent process and fairness advisor, who participated throughout the RFP process and has provided an independent analysis verifying the RFP’s professionalism and integrity

When Council voted to proceed with the Southwest Quadrant RFP in June 2009, they directed staff to solicit responses from the private sector that harness its creativity and financial resources. Competitive dialogue has been successfully used in other international jurisdictions (most notably in Europe and the United Kingdom) for large infrastructure projects. It enables both the City and potential respondents to have a series of structured discussions to finalize the solution that offers the best value. Brampton is once again showing innovation as the first Canadian jurisdiction to take advantage of competitive dialogue to support the administration of the Southwest Quadrant Renewal Plan.

Throughout this project, the City will be holding several public information sessions to provide information and updates on the project. Please check the News and Events section of the website for public notices.